If you want to attract more birds and small animals to your property, you do not need complicated habitat plans or professional landscaping. Two of the easiest and most natural methods are building brush piles and planting shelterbelts made from hardy shrubs. These simple features give wildlife the protection, food, and structure they rely on… Read more »
Most people wait for a warm spring day before planting shrubs. It feels natural to get outside when the air softens, and the soil warms up. The problem is that shrubs do not follow the same instincts we do. They are built for cooler conditions, especially when planted as bare root stock. Planting while the… Read more »
When youโre ready to plant trees or shrubs for your landscape or wildlife habitat, where you buy your plants makes a big difference. Many people start by browsing local garden centers or retail nurseries because theyโre familiar and easy to visit. However, when you need quality plants in larger quantities, buying from a wholesale nursery… Read more »
Native shrubs do an incredible amount of work in Midwest and Great Lakes landscapes. They steady soil, shelter birds and pollinators, tolerate freeze thaw cycles, and give structure through every season. Yet many plantings rely on the same few species. If you want a more resilient, wildlife friendly property or you simply want a landscape… Read more »
If you have ever planted trees or shrubs only to see them chewed down by deer, you know how frustrating it can be. While fencing may be an obvious solution, it is not always practical, especially on large properties or open landscapes. Fortunately, there are effective ways to reduce damage without relying on tall barriers…. Read more »
Bees buzzing through blossoms, butterflies dancing from flower to flower, hummingbirds hovering with their wings beating in a blurโpollinators bring life and movement to our landscapes. But beyond their beauty, these creatures are essential. They ensure plants reproduce, fruits ripen, and ecosystems stay balanced. Without them, our food supply and natural spaces would look very… Read more »
Wildfires are a natural part of many landscapes, but in recent years, theyโve been growing larger, spreading faster, and causing more damage than ever before. While weather and terrain play a role in how a fire behaves, one of the biggest factors is the amount of flammable vegetation in its path โ what fire experts… Read more »
Landscaping in Michigan and the surrounding northern states comes with its own set of challengesโlong winters, sudden frosts, and wild temperature swings. But that doesnโt mean your yard or property canโt be beautiful year-round. You just need the right plants. Thatโs where cold hardy shrubs come in. At Cold Stream Farm, we specialize in bare… Read more »
A single tree can be a bustling ecosystem of its ownโoffering food, shelter, nesting spots, and safe passage for wildlife of all kinds. Across every season, from the first spring bud to the last leaf drop before winter, trees quietly support countless creatures in ways that often go unnoticed. At Cold Stream Farm, we understand… Read more »
When you own a large propertyโwhether it’s a rural homestead, a conservation area, or a recreational retreatโprivacy and function often go hand in hand. Many property owners want to shield certain areas from view, control wind, reduce road noise, or simply define natural borders. But why settle for a plain fence or artificial barrier when… Read more »
A century ago, the American chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) was a dominant presence in the eastern United States, with an estimated 4 billion trees stretching from Georgia to Maine. This majestic species played a crucial role in forest ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, as well as valuable timber for human use. However, the… Read more »
As environmental concerns become increasingly prominent, more individuals and communities are shifting toward landscaping practices that promote sustainability and ecological harmony. Bare root trees and shrubs represent an excellent choice for environmentally conscious landscaping, offering significant benefits in terms of resource efficiency, adaptability, and ecosystem support. In this article, we’ll explore how using bare root… Read more »
